20 The MERRY TALES File will ever have more company in and ther's houſe than his own, and moſt commonly in the ale-houſe. The ſixth ſaid my huſband has nox and wool to ſpare, if go to other folks houſes to do their work The ſeventh ſaid, I ſpate borh my huſband's wood and clothes, and fit talking all he day at other folks fire. The eighth ſaid beef, mut- ton and pork are dear, I therefore take pigs, chickens, 'contes and capons, be- ing of a leſſer price. The ninth ſaid, I ſpare my huſband's ſoap, for inſtead of waſhing once a 'a'week, I waſh but once a a quarter. Then ſaid the ate wife, I keep all my huſband's ale I brew from ſouring; for as I wont to drink it almoſt up, now I leave never a drop. TALE XX. On Aſh Wedneſday, the miniſter of Gotham would have a collection from his pariſhioners; and ſaid unto them, My friends, the time'is come that you muſt uſe prayer, faſting and alms, but come ye to thrift, I will tell you more of my mind. But as for prayer, I don't think that two men in the pariſh con fay their Pater-noſter. As for faſting ye faſt ſtill, for ye-have-not good
